The Telegraph Fire is now approximately 176,000 acres. The fire continued to be active on the east/southeast side and produced light smoke, which rose and dispersed toward the west/northwest. Light smoke was noted moving over portions of the Phoenix Valley, and Queen Valley with light to moderate smoke impacts in Superior yesterday (Thursday).

Smoke Synopsis

Lighter smoke production is expected today; however, winds are forecast to slowly shift from east/southeast to west/southwest starting this afternoon. Smoke is still forecast to rise and disperse toward the west/northwest, with Queen Valley, Hayden, Florence, and the Phoenix Valley expected to see light smoke impacts during the first half of today (Friday). Also, Superior is still looking to get light to moderate impacts due to proximity to the fire. As the wind begins to transition, the light impact locations stated above should begin to clear out. Following the wind shift San Carlos could experience light smoke impacts overhead, and Safford could experience light to moderate smoke due to the combination of the Pinnacle and Telegraph fire.

Although possibilities are less likely than previous days this week, high-based (dry) thunderstorms could form near/over the region. As a result, strong gusty outflow winds could happen this afternoon. These winds would lead to smoke moving in any direction and cause brief but moderate to high smoke impacts to locations around the fire.

Tomorrow, we’ll continue to experience the transitioning of winds (east/southeast to west/southwest). Smoke is forecast to disperse toward the northwest in the morning hours and then shift to dispersing towards the east/northeast by the afternoon/evening.

The Telegraph Fire is now approximately 171,000 acres. The fire was active on the east/southeast side and continued to produce smoke, which rose and dispersed toward the west/northwest. Light smoke was noted yesterday moving through/over portions of the Phoenix Valley, and Queen Valley with light to moderate smoke impacts in Superior. This fire is running into lighter fuels, but gusty winds from thunderstorm build-up are continuing the life of this smoke/fire.

Smoke Synopsis

We expect a lighter smoke production today compared to what we’ve been seeing. Smoke is forecast to rise and slowly disperse toward the west/northwest, with Queen Valley, Hayden, Florence, and the Phoenix Valley expected to see light smoke impacts. Due to the proximity to the fire, and the expected smoke dispersion, Superior is forecast to have light to moderate smoke impacts throughout the day. We are forecasting the majority of smoke to rise and stay off the surface; however, things can change quickly depending on weather and fire conditions.

There is still a possibility of high-based (dry) thunderstorms near/over the region, resulting in strong gusty outflow winds this afternoon. As a result, smoke could move in any direction and cause brief but moderate to high smoke impacts to locations around the fire.

Tomorrow, we’ll see continuing east/southeast flow at the surface and up through the atmosphere. Smoke is forecast to disperse toward the west/northwest, with some impacts possible to the following locations: Hayden, Kearny, Queen Valley, Florence, Phoenix, Superior.

New Start – Horton Fire
Alpine Ranger District – South of Alpine in Wallow Fire scar

Alpine, AZ, June 16, 2021 – The Horton Fire is located in steep rugged terrain characterized by standing dead timber and heavy dead and down logs..
Size: 40 acres Containment: 0%
Incident Start Date: June 15, 2021 Cause: Lightning
Location: 5 miles northeast of Hannigan Meadows
Resources Responding: 5 Engines, 1 Dozer, 1- 10 Person IA Module and 1 Water Tender
Total Personnel: 40

Fire Update: The Horton Fire is located within the Wallow Fire scar and is a full suppression fire with an contain/confine strategy. Low to moderate fire behavior has been observed today mainly burning in the dead and down fuel component. The fire is within an area full of snags and heavy downfall from the Wallow Fire scar. Crews will be looking to areas where they can safely engage personnel to work on the fire. Smoke is visible from Alpine and Hannigan Meadows.

Smoke: Smoke from the Horton Fire may impact Alpine, Nutrioso, and Springerville. An interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to search for current smoke information.
Closures and Evacuations: There are currently no closures or evacuations in place.

For information on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, check out our website at www.fs.usda.gov/asnf.